Site Selection names Alabama Power a top economic development utility
Alabama Power’s efforts in recruiting industry and growing jobs in the state have earned the company recognition and ranking on Site Selection magazine’s list of Top 20 Utilities in Economic Development.
“At Alabama Power, our Economic and Community Development team has a unique opportunity to make a difference in our state every single day,” said Leigh Davis, vice president of Economic and Community Development at Alabama Power. “We are honored to be recognized for our commitment to innovation, industrial growth and job creation through the work that we do with partners across the state.”
The company was honored for its many initiatives in 2021. Last year, the Alabama Power Economic and Community Development (ECD) team had a hand in recruiting projects with $2.53 billion in new and expanded capital investment, with 4,110 announced jobs.
In addition to its recruitment activity, Alabama Power was involved in several site development, innovation and entrepreneurship, workforce development, sustainability and community development initiatives:
- Partnering with Mercedes-Benz U.S. International and the University of Alabama to establish the Alabama Mobility and Power Initiative.
- Supporting the Techstars Alabama EnergyTech Accelerator program.
- Partnering with the Mobile Chamber of Commerce to launch the Innovation Portal.
- Supporting the Bronze Valley Accelerator and its partnership with gener8tor.
- Establishing lineworker training programs with community colleges.
- Offering renewable products and credit programs to help corporations meet their renewable energy goals.
- Assisting rural communities in east Alabama and the Wiregrass with tourism, education and after-school programs.
The 2021 accomplishments are the latest in a long history of economic development successes the electric utility has helped foster. Alabama Power has operated since 1906, focusing on providing reliable and affordable power. Supporting and facilitating economic growth in Alabama has been at the company’s core since 1913 when it formed the New Industries Division, the predecessor of today’s ECD.
“For more than a century, Alabama Power has been committed to helping our state attract and grow businesses, equip Alabama’s workforce and strengthen our communities,” said Jeff Peoples, Alabama Power executive vice president of Customer and Employee Services. “It is an honor for our team’s efforts to be recognized by Site Selection.”
The company works in tandem with state and local economic developers throughout Alabama to help elevate the entire state.
“Alabama Power played an instrumental role in laying the foundations for industrial growth in the state, and it continues to spark innovation to this day,” said Greg Canfield, secretary of the Alabama Department of Commerce. “It’s also long been a valuable partner in strategic economic development efforts that have helped transform the future of opportunity in our state.”